The Art of Questioning Authority by an Authority in Question

As a churchleader, it’s easy to make the wrong move and find yourself in a bad position.

As a church leader, it’s easy to make the wrong move and find yourself in a bad position.

“What to teach; How to teach; What to do,” were the three questions Wesley employed at his first conferences. In sixty previous books Will Willimon has worked the first two. This book is of the “What to do?” genre.

Many believe the long decline of The United Methodist Church is a crisis of effective leadership. Willimon takes this problem on. As an improbable bishop, for the last eight years he has laid hands on heads, made ordinands promise to go where he sends them, overseen their ministries, and acted as if this were normal. Here is his account of what he has learned and – more important – what The United Methodist Church must do to have a future as a viable movement of the Holy Spirit.

Endorsements

“Witty. Pointed. Courageous. This book is written with a theologian’s intellect, a pastor’s heart for the church, and a passion to pass on the faith to a new generation.”

- Janice Huie

Bishop is an episcopal memoir like none other just as Will Willimon is one of a kind. Sacred cows and fruitless practices are major targets for this seasoned, equal opportunity disturber of the peace. But his self-effacing spirit (“When somebody’s talking, I want it to be me.”) reminds readers of his willingness to engage any debate and sometimes even change his mind.

About the Author

William H. Willimon

Feeling most at home behind a pulpit, Will Willimon’s deepest calling is to be a preacher and truth-teller of Jesus Christ. He is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School and retired Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, after serving for 20 years as faculty member and Dean of the Chapel at Duke University. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.

Will Willimon has published many books, including his preaching subscription service on MinistryMatters.com, Pulpit Resource, and Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love, both published by Abingdon Press.